Sickle Cell Ambassadors
BECOMING CHAMPIONS FOR OUR CAUSE
The purpose of FACE Foundation Ambassadors Program is to encourage those who are most affected by sickle cell to work within their communities to educate the public and to bring about greater awareness. They are the FACE of sickle cell. Who better to fight for our cause then those who suffer, and care for them?
Those who are trait carries have a very special mandate in bring awareness to SCD. With out the trait there could not be a disease. It is time for those who are carriers of the trait to stand up and talk about how the trait can be passed on from parent to child and to emphasize the importance of getting tested.
SHARING STORIES, EXPERIENCES & KNOWLEDGE
The lack of awareness and knowledge about this disease are major contributors to the lack of funding, research, resources, and services for SC. They also contribute to the prevalence of the disease. Knowledge is the key.
A heightened awareness of the devastation that Sickle Cell Disease can cause, may increase federal funding, as well as philanthropic giving, thereby increasing research, resources and services. The knowledge will encourage individuals to get tested and to get educated about their risk of genetically passing the disease to their children.
Sickle Cell Disease travels so many different pathways, manifests itself in so many different ways, affects so many different biological systems and organs, and claims so many lives. It will continue to do so, if we choose to remain in blissful ignorance. Sharing our stories touches those who are unaware.
Qualifications:
- Must be a carrier of the trait or disease or a parent or caregiver of a SC patient or medical and educational professionals who treat and educate on the disease.
- Must be willing to tell your stories
- Must seek out speaking venues and submit venues and speaking engagements to the committee for approval
- Must promote and support the FACE Foundations Internet-A-Thon
- Must support awareness and fundraising events
FACE Ambassadors Training
- One 3hr session where facilitators go over everything you need to know about SCD, and answer you questions you have
- How to be an affective public speaker
- How to network in support of your cause
VENUES
AMBASSADORS are expected to seek out venues and discuss speaking engagements with the appropriate representatives. Various venues include but are not limited to churches, schools, community organizations, health fairs and similar events. Teens are welcome to receive permission to speak at their school.
Once permission is granted at a venue, and initial details discussed with representative, information needs to be presented to the FACE Board of Directors for prior approval, followed by a formal letter acknowledging the speaking engagement.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
AMBASSADORS will be expected to speak and conduct themselves in a manner that positively reflects on FACE Foundation, Inc. and the SC community.
They will speak about the disease, stressing that it is not contagious, and giving the audience basic education on the and genetics of sickle cell, and the risk of passing it on to children. This can be done with notes, video or a PowerPoint presentation that will be provided by FACE.
They may also speak on the effects the disease has had on their lives - the physical and emotional pain, financial strain, feelings of isolation, the effect on family dynamics.
The speaking engagement will conclude with the mission, goal and vision of FACE Foundation, Inc. and a plea for volunteers and financial support. The audience should be directed to make donations online or by mail. (Brochures should be available to the audience)
Most of all be on the look out for others who have the qualifications to becoming board members, ambassadors and volunteers. We cannot do this alone. We refuse to be silent no more.
